Police seek information on shooting potentially connected to teen’s death

Wednesday, August 3rd 2016, 10:59 PM AKDT

Last updated at 1:40 p.m. on Thurs., Aug. 18

Anchorage police are issuing another plea to the public for any information surrounding the July 30 fatal shooting of 18-year-old Elijah Zeller.

“We know that sometimes people are scared to provide information, especially when they might be fearful,” Detective James Trull said in a Thursday release. “Fortunately we have a system in place where someone can potentially help us solve a murder case and remain completely anonymous throughout the investigation.”

The investigation is ongoing and police are working to gather more information about the events prior to Zeller being dropped off at the hospital.

Anyone who attended the large party near the 5000 block of Cape Seville Drive the day Zeller was taken to the hospital is urged to call 907-561-7867 or submit an anonymous tip on the Crimestoppers website.

Earlier Story:

The Anchorage Police Department has been unable to pinpoint where one of this weekend’s homicide victims was killed, and is now asking the public for additional information.

Elijah Zeller, 18, was dropped off at a hospital around 2 a.m. Saturday morning, suffering from at least one gunshot wound. However, police have not been able to confirm where he was shot, according to a statement.

Police have spoken to guests at a large party near where shots were fired in the early morning hours Saturday. The party was held at a home on the 5000 block of Cape Seville Drive, and between 1:30 a.m. and 2 a.m., police received noise complaints about the party and reports of gunfire in the same area.

“As officers were headed to the scene, the caller reported multiple vehicles were leaving the residence where the party had taken place,” police said. “Officers did find shell casings in the area but no immediate victims or property damage.”

Some party goers told police more than 100 people were at the home around that time.

“We have not been able to determine a direct connection between the two events,” said APD spokeswoman Jennifer Castro in an email to KTVA. “So for now we are trying to gather more information from the public on who was at the Cape Seville party and what occurred there regarding the shooting.”

Anyone who was at the party or has information about the shooting on Cape Seville Drive is asked to call APD at 786-8900. An anonymous tip can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 907-561-7867.